Kidnap terror as woman is forced into car and driven away

Police arrest suspect but issue appeal for anyone who witnessed the incident

A terrified woman was forced into the back of a car and kidnapped for several hours before being rescued by police.

The incident took place sometime between 9.25pm on Saturday and 1.45am on Sunday when the 22-year-old victim was involved in an argument with a man she knew.

He then forced her to get into a vehicle in the Byron Street area of Barwell.

The victim was then driven around for a number of hours before police officers located her and arrested the offender.

A 26-year-old man has subsequently been charged with kidnap and aggravated taking without consent and appeared before Leicester Magistrates' Court on Monday, where he was remanded into custody to appear at Leicester Crown Court on Monday July 21.

The victim sustained injuries to her hands and face during the incident.

Detective Constable 4520 Lisa Green is investigating the incident. She said: “This was an extremely distressing incident for the victim. Despite the arrest and charge we would still like to trace some potential witnesses.

“The victim recalls that she may have been driven around the North-West Leicestershire area. If you saw a turquoise Vauxhall Corsa in the Ibstock, Ashby, Coalville, Measham, Market Bosworth, Newbold Bardon and Barwell areas during the night of Saturday and saw a woman trying to leave a vehicle then we need to speak to you.

“The vehicle was parked on a dirt track and if you recall seeing a similar vehicle then please get in touch.”

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